Duke is getting healthier at just the right time, and that makes Saturday’s matchup with NC State even more interesting. The Blue Devils have leaned on role players through a stretch of injuries, but a few key names are back in the mix now, giving Duke a chance to build on its recent momentum before heading to South Beach next week.
One of the biggest returns comes on the back end of the defense. Duke gets its top safety back after he missed the last two games with an injury suffered against North Carolina.
Pellicciotta’s range, tackling ability, and knack for the football are a sight to see, and Duke has done a swell job using Patrick Smith-Young in Pellicciotta’s role. With their top punt returner back, look for Duke to have a strong defensive back end and return game on special teams.
Another player worth watching is Nicholas, who is beginning to see more touches. Anytime he has touched the ball, good things have occurred for Duke’s offense.
Nicholas had a big play early against Boston College that could suggest he is starting to find his role under offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer. If that is the case, look for Nicholas to get more playing time this week as Duke looks to get its best talents on the field in the final stretch.
Up front, Duke’s talented defensive end flashed against Boston College in a way that stood out. He made some fun plays and seemed overwhelming to their offensive tackles.
It was the first time that he seemed to make a game-wrecking impact on the field, and that could spur momentum for big games such as this weekend’s game against NC State. Davis is someone to keep a close eye on throughout the game.
In the secondary, Flowers has been one of Duke’s best corners so far, with an argument for Kyon Loud as well. Flowers is wearing the No. 0 jersey well.
His play in coverage and run support have been splendid, and he looks like a big steal for head coach Manny Diaz from the transfer portal. Flowers will have a tough outing next week in Miami, but this week, he has a chance to shut down an entire portion of the field against the Wolfpack’s perimeter weapons.
And then there’s Sheppard, who is coming off a historic five-touchdown performance against Boston College. The Blue Devils’ star running back is starting his Heisman campaign with a bang.
Sheppard is the ultimate difference-maker who can flip a game upside down, and Duke will rightfully force-feed him the ball when they need him. He hasn’t shown to falter, and the Blue Devils will need another big performance to beat NC State.
In Other News...
Duke Just Delivered A First Half That Changes The ACC Mood
Duke spent the first half turning the rivalry game into a showcase, and Andrew Pellicciottas return of a missed 50-yard field goal attempt for a 109-yard touchdown at the horn only sharpened the statement. By halftime, the Blue Devils were in complete control against NC State, with Nate Sheppard and Walker Eget helping power an offense that kept the pressure on and left the home crowd with little reason to believe a comeback was coming.
The bigger picture is what makes the start so notable for Duke. A 31-3 halftime lead does more than tilt one game, it changes the mood around a season, especially when the Blue Devils are pairing explosive special teams work with steady offense and a defense that has made life miserable for an ACC opponent. The question now is whether they can carry that same edge through the rest of the schedule. [Read more 🡒]
Dukes Hot Start Is Raising An Even Bigger Question
Dukes early season has opened with the kind of lopsided wins that make people take notice, but the bigger takeaway so far is the way Jon Scheyers group has carried itself through them. The Blue Devils have looked sharp in their first two blowout games, and the message coming out of the locker room has been less about the scoreboard than the habits behind it. Dame Sarr pointed to the teams focus on fundamentals and constant improvement, which fits the tone Scheyer has tried to establish from the start.
For a program with championship expectations, the hot start is useful only if it turns into something sturdier. Dukes players keep talking about the collective mindset, and that matters when the season is still young and the margin for error feels small. The early results have been encouraging, but the real question hanging over this group is how far that approach can take it when the schedule tightens and the stakes rise. [Read more 🡒]
Duke Gets A Timely Boost For A Road Test That Matters
Duke heads into an ACC road trip to NC State with a little more momentum and a little more health than it had a week ago. The Blue Devils just handled Boston College, and now they get a chance to keep building against an in-state rival they have beaten in each of the last two meetings, a stretch that has helped make this matchup feel a bit more meaningful than a standard midseason conference game.
The injury report is where the encouraging news really starts to matter. Several Duke players are listed as probable, and one key defensive piece is set to return after missing the past two games, which gives the Blue Devils a better chance to match up with an NC State team that has been hard to pin down. The Wolfpack have flashed plenty of scoring in their wins, but they have also given up a lot of points in their losses, leaving Duke with a road test that feels winnable if it can carry over the same edge it showed last time out. [Read more 🡒]